Brooke sets herself apart

Since forming the poppy folk duo The Story with Jennifer Kimball, Jonatha Brooke has produced intimate and inspiring music which, in the tradition of great singer-songwriters, has connected on a very deep and personal level with her audience. Back in the Circus, her fifth solo release and third on her own Bad Dog label, continues that trend while at the same time displaying a woman who is both branching out and staying true to what made her popular.\nStandout cuts include the lead-off title track, with quiet accordion and cascading piano by Ryan Freeland; the thought-provoking sadness of "Sleeping with the Light On;" and the poignant "Less Than Love Is Nothing."\nThe most intriguing track, however, is her cover of James Taylor's "Fire and Rain;" she puts a soulful, even head-nodding spin on the classic. (Other inspired covers include the Beach Boys' "God Only Knows" and the Alan Parsons Project's "Eye in the Sky.")\nIn general, Brooke's bold vocals and sweet songwriting combine to make an album that, while breaking no real new ground, sets her apart from the legion of other folk-pop singer-songwriters.